RECAP: CLING TO TRUTH based on Revelation 3:7-13
The church at Philadelphia was one of the only two churches to not receive a rebuke from Jesus. It was a “church of little strength,” but they were among the most faithful. Even after a series of many earthquakes, which finally destroyed the city of Philadelphia, Christianity continued to remain strong so much so that in modern-day Turkey, an Islamic nation, the area around the ancient site of Philadelphia is among the most densely populated for Christians! The church faced significant adversity, especially in light of all of the earthquakes starting with the great earthquake of 17 AD. Yet this church remained strong. How? They clung firmly to their faith! They held their faith tight and refused to let go!
What did Philadelphia hold on to?
1) God’s open door. Jesus shared that a door was opened for them by God. They firmly believed that when God opens a door, it is meant to be entered. Although many influences tried to shut the door or keep them from going through the door, they refused to allow Satan, enemies, or the world to convince them otherwise. For behind God’s open door is peace, joy, abundant life and good pasture.
Hand in hand is they also learned not to go through a door that God had not opened. Too often we want something that God does not want for us and try to make it happen. But unlike game shows where opening a door could have monetary consequences (but you are still winning and gaining something), if we force a door to open that God has not opened, we could experience significant spiritual and physical consequences. The enemy wants all to take an alternative to God’s plan. Philadelphia refused to compromise like Pergamum and Thyatira or become apathetic like Sardis; they kept alternative doors closed and held on to God’s open door, his plan.
2) Integrity. Integrity mattered greatly to the congregation. Even when the false Jews slandered them, they resisted the urge to defend themselves; instead, they endured patiently and continued to live a life of integrity. Their lives and actions mirrored the instructions contained in the Word of God. They refused to morally compromise and conform to keep comfort. The church rather pursued God, even if there was a cost, for to be right with Jesus mattered far more than anything else in the world.
3) Promise of deliverance. Jesus promised the church not only that he would return soon, but he would keep them from the hour of testing. The promise of eternity and his enduring hand in the midst of any storm carried them through, for they knew they were never alone. Their eyes were on the end goal, the big picture, instead of the here and now. Any struggle they had was a momentary affliction. But to give up on Christ was to abandon the one thing they could cling to, for Jesus was hope! And what was that hope? Not only would they have eternal life, but also have a crown of victory!
4) Presence of God. Hand in hand with the promise of deliverance, they held on to the promise that God would never leave or forsake. God will never leave or forsake us if we are obedient and faithful to him. If we feel God’s presence has forsaken us, we need to ask if we are faithful; if we feel God is far away, it is because we have left God! But the church lived in the assurance that as long as they were faithful, they already held on to the greatest prize they could ever achieve.
5) God’s name. Jesus promised the church that not only would they have a new name, but God’s name would be written on their hearts. The church would be known by God in the same matter as Abraham, Moses, David, and Elijah were known by God. The name of God means intimacy, closeness, and the assurance that we are his! What a great tragedy it is to think we know God, but for him to dismiss us because he does not know us (Matthew 7:22-23).
Philadelphia held on to these things and thrived. Will we hold on to them as we face adversity?
Questions for Reflection
1) What door has God opened for your life? For our church?
2) What door do you keep trying to open that God has closed? Can you let it go?
3) Are you known as a person of integrity? If not, what adjustments can you make to grow in integrity?
4) When adversity comes, what do you cling to?
5) If Jesus were to come back today, would he know you?
Upcoming Service
This Sunday, Pastor Ryan will be away. John Wright will bring forth the word from 2 Timothy 1:6-7 titled “Yes We Can.” What can we do because of Jesus? Come or tune in Sunday to find out!
Daily Bible Readings for September 6 – 12
September 6: Judges 4 How did Deborah and Barak cling to their faith?
September 7: 1 Samuel 12 How did Samuel encourage Israel to cling to their faith?
September 8: 1 Kings 19 How did Elijah cling to his faith?
September 9: Job 2 How did Job cling to his faith?
September 10: Acts 6:8-15, 7:51-60 How did Stephen cling to his faith?
September 11: Joel 2:28-32 What can we do through the Spirit?
September 12: Ezekiel 37:1-14 What can be done through the Spirit?
This Week’s Events:
Tuesday, September 6–Women’s Fellowship @ 1 pm
Saturday, September 10–Sadie Rose spaghetti dinner fundraiser in the fellowship hall from 4 pm – 7 pm (donations)
Sunday, September 11–Instachoir practice begins
Sunday, September 11–Chasing the Lions Bible Study @ Lynne’s house (240 Ashby St, Dayton)
Monday, September 12–Pastoral Epistles Bible Study Begins @ 7 pm
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday, September 14–Outreach Team @ Lynne’s house, 7 pm
Thursday, September 15–Leadership Team @ 7 pm
Sunday, October 9–Love Feast
Saturday, October 22–Men’s Fellowship Chicken BBQ
Sunday, October 23–Chili/Soup Cook-Off & Council Meeting
November 4 – 5–Beaver Creek Cares weekend
Announcements:
BIRTHDAYS NEEDED!
If you are a newer attendee at Beaver Creek, please call the office or leave in the offering plate your birth date so we do not miss anyone!
CARD SHOWER REQUEST
John Bennington’s birthday is Thursday. Let us bless him with a birthday card shower!
Bible Study Opportunities!
The Chasing the Lion Bible Study continues this Sunday at 4 pm. We will meet at Lynne Lent’s house (240 Ashby St, Dayton) this week. This study meets every Sunday at 4 pm.
Pastor Ryan will also start a new study on the books of 1 and 2 Timothy. Paul shared his heart with Timothy and gave him instructions for himself and the church after he was gone. Most of these letters are reflected even today. How can we live our faith? I encourage you to dig deeper into these two short books!
We will meet on Monday evenings beginning on September 12 at 7 pm. The location will be in the church library. We plan to meet for only one hour each week until 8 pm.
Take advantage of one of these two Bible studies today! If you would like to participate in the Timothy Bible study, please email Pastor Ryan or call the office.
Call for Worship Leaders and Children’s Story
We are still in need of both worship leaders and children’s stories. If you would like to serve, contact Alice Over (worship leading) or Tammy Stine (children’s story).
Fall Festival & Beaver Creek Cares–Candy Request
Our outreach team is planning a fall festival for the church and community. The date is still TBD (will know by next week). Beaver Creek Cares will be November 4-5. For both, we will need individually wrapped fun-sized pieces of candy (Halloween style) for both the kids for Fall Festival and for the teachers for the appreciation gifts during Beaver Creek Cares. You can bring the candy to the narthex.
Call to Prayer
Let us continue to pray for our nation in the following ways:
1) National return to God
2) Repentance of personal sin
3) Repentance of corporate sin
4) Healing for the brokenness of relationships
5) Our leaders
6) Revival
7) Guidance for our congregation in the days ahead
Idea Box!
What do you want to see at Beaver Creek? What are some ideas you have for the long-term growth of our congregation? Any outrageous outreach ideas? Please either email Pastor Ryan or write them down and place them in the brown suggestion box in the narthex. Dream big!
Nursery
The Christian Education Team is looking for volunteers for the nursery during the Sunday School hour. If you are willing to help, even if it is just for a Sunday, please reach out to the Christian Education Team and let them know.
Four Ways to Give!
1) Mail your tithe into the church office
2) Drop it by the church office on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 9 am – 1 pm
3) Our online giving platform: https://beavercreekchurchva.churchcenter.com/giving
4) Drop off in the offering plate on Sunday!
Prayer Needs
Continue to Keep in Prayer our members in Skilled Care Facilities: Mary G Miller, Shirley Miller, Stanley Suter & Carolyn Wine
John Bennington (health)
Sandy Bennington (health)
Donnie Cornwell Sr (health)
Patsy Dastoli (health)
Dastoli family (COVID)
Elijah Tucker Dean (health)
Natalie Dodge (health)
John Fix (addiction)
Cindy Heatwole (health)
Bob Hess (health)
Tori Jackson (peace)
Darlene LaPrade (health)
Leroy Makely (health)
Mark Martin (health)
Barbara Meadows (health)
Torrey Meyer (well being)
Meda McNett (health)
Alda Miller (health)
Betty Miller (health)
Denny & Diane Miller (COVID)
Mary G Miller (health)
Shirley Miller (COVID)
Marty Moore (recovery)
Tami Plaugher (health)
Lottie Ritchie (health)
Ann Simmons (health)
Crystal Smith (health)
Whitmore family (various & COVID)
Mary Whitmore (health)
Winnie Wilfong (knee & COVID)
Shelvy Wittig (health)
Owen Wright (health)
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek Church